The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Station Staff Award

Sally Ralston

Said the following about Louise Drane:

“Louise is a member of Station Staff and is relatively new to the business. She has worked at our underground stations but has now been placed at Southport station on a permanent role.

At the time of the incident that we are nominating her for Louise did not know the station very well and was very unsure. Southport is a terminal end station and also has another train operator arriving into the station. Southport station carries many passengers and they also have the added issues with train shunting, and a lot of VIP passengers, accidents, and potential travel safe issues.

During recent industrial action Louise was given abuse from upset passengers, verbally, spat at, and called names. However Louise just took this in her stride.

On this particular day Louise had spotted a guy coming off the train that had just arrived wearing a Merseyrail high visibility jacket. Louise did not know this man and had never seen him about and she became really suspicious.

Louise followed all the security training she had been given and trusted her instincts. She kept a careful watch on the passenger and alerted the BTP. She explained her concerns and her instincts were correct.

BTP confirmed that the individual she had reported was indeed an imposter. He had taken the high visibility jacket from Liverpool Central station when no one was looking. He had walked around Liverpool city centre, and went shop lifting. He had many items in his bag which had all been stolen. He was able to wear the jacket and was never questioned until Louise trusted her instincts.

Louise is a valuable member of the team at Southport and has adapted really well. She has faced a lot more challenges and difficulties than most new starters into the business and we are very proud of her. If anyone deserves this award it is defiantly Louise.“